Instill a culture of quality into a plethora of dubious suppliers from China

[Stijloor]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

Sorry. It is now: Instill a culture of quality into a plethora of dubious suppliers from China

Harry,

I just saw it! Thanks.

Stijloor.

 

[amanbhai]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

Sorry. It is now: Instill a culture of quality into a plethora of dubious suppliers from China

Why don't we generalize the title to include dubious suppliers from around the world?

 

[harry]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

Why don't we generalize the title to include dubious suppliers from around the world?

Thanks for your comments, Aman. Contrary to what some may be thinking, when we edit or retitle, we do it within the context of the original poster's post or intention.

If you feel that the subject is of interest to you or others, please go ahead and start a new thread.

 

[Gordon Clarke]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

I've seen a few horror stories here in my country. I would be sad to think that somewhere, someone in another country is using a few personal experiences to argue that 'there's no culture of quality in Australia'. I'd also think that they were missing the 'decisions based on fact' principle.

Personal experience is just that: personal experience. Doesn't mean that it's statistically sound nor is it a substitute for facts and data.

The complete reply is short, sharp, precise and to the point
It can't be stated much better

 

[Gordon Clarke]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

Looking back to how it all began I remember that Tony Waddle wrote the following in another thread.

” 8. If you could change the world of quality, what would you do?
Instil a culture of quality into China”

I replied with:

“Being someone that deals with China I know that China can supply quality products. The problem is that many, when buying from China, only focus on paying as little as possible. That approach would get you rubbish from any country in the world - probably even Japan.

Still, you must have a reason for your remark and I'd love to hear it if you let me know which thread to go to”.

Two unfortunate things happened:

1. China was “hung out to dry” in the new thread title and
2. Tony didn’t reply fast enough to keep things “on track” (not a criticism Tony, just a fact)

As someone that has travelled extensively around the world (usually with my family) I’m a sucker for going to local markets. Not only is it interesting to see what’s on sale but it’s also a great way to get near the local population. Whether it’s a market “in the jungle” or a garage sale in the USA – it’s the same type of people. I suppose the only real difference is that for some buying cheap is necessary for survival while for others it’s just good fun to buy something as cheaply as possible.

I’ve seen garments from Thailand on sale at Indian markets (never the best Thai quality), metal tools on sale in Thailand from China and imported clothes and electronic articles for sale in China - not always the same quality as “back home” although the brand name is the same. Copies? – I’m not sure.

Anyway Tony, your “innocent” remark started a good discussion which is never bad. Naming “China” specifically in the title, probably wasn’t the best thing to do from a diplomatic point of view. I think anyone would hate to see their country mentioned in a negative headline.

I know Tony had a problem with Chinese goods but it could have been an experience with merchandize from any country in the world. Would changing the thread title or starting a new thread give the same response? I honestly don’t know. Even something like, “Instil a culture of quality into developing countries” isn’t quite the same eye-catcher, although it is more precise. Bringing something like the melamine disaster into this thread was definitely off-track. Suppliers of heroine and other drugs etc. have millions of more deaths on their hands. Can melamine be compared to Thalidomide? Who started that and why? Rhetorical question.

However, to return to a statement I made previously, “producing bad quality is a personal decision, not a national one”

How do we prevent suppliers from producing inferior quality? We just don't buy it! - and if we do then NEVER TWICE. It sound too good and too easy to be true

I’m not sure if I’m replying or just letting off steam

 

[Gordon Clarke]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

In the thread "Quality in Outsourcing - Survey - October 2008" I have submitted a suggestion that hopefully will give a response from people who have had first-hand experience with outsourcing - in China and everywhere else. It isn't intended as a questionaire - just what should be regarded as elementary questions and actions to be considered before "taking the plunge". I'm certain cove members can tell why they encountered success or failure or something in between when their company outsourced. It's OK to keep the company anonymous as it would be the "answers" that are interesting.

My ”contribution” to giving outsourcing a fighting chance and hopefully, satisfactory results for both parties and it's just to start things off.

1. Questions to be asked before outsourcing:
a. If we pass on know-how can this backfire? i.e. create competition from copies or imitations.
b. What will be the consequences to our organization and will we loose experienced employees?
c. Will the profit margins compensate for a possible change to company image and good-will? i.e. disgruntled and/or unsatisfied employees.

2. Actions to ensure reliable outsourcing results:
a. How far (distance) is it feasible to look for companies that can supply what we are looking for?
b. Will distance affect delivery time and dealing with a possible defective delivery?
c. Will dealing with a foreign country (language, customs etc.) give any unforeseen problems?
d. What do we know about the company we would use for outsourcing? Do we know anyone they already supply to?
e. What item and in which quantity should a trial order be placed for?

3. Actions during initial outsourcing:
a. How many and who should visit the company in question?
b. What are the minimum requirements and capacity?
c. What will be the estimated cost to ensure as much certainty for getting things right from the first delivery?

4. Follow-up actions to monitor outsourcing reliability and satisfaction:
a. How much final inspection and documentation do we wish the company to carry out?
b. How often shall we check deliveries to ensure they are correct?
c. If measuring tools and gages are involved who buys and/or supplies them?

Now who wants to add to, amend or comment? Bear in mind that this took me less than 30 minutes to write and I only consider it a suggestion – not a work of art. I'll bet the ones with most experience can add more questions.

 

[Gordon Clarke]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

I wonder if this discussion has run out of steam? In the light of the global financial crisis I'd have thought it was very relevant

 

[Stijloor]

Re: Instill a culture of quality into China

I wonder if this discussion has run out of steam? In the light of the global financial crisis I'd have thought it was very relevant

Yeah, I believe so. It happens. However, discussions are steaming in another forum. I let you guess.. Although it was kinda quiet there yesterday.

Stijloor.

 

[carrello]

I am currently asking my suppliers in China to use better quality raw materials (threads and fabrics) for production.

My problem is that instead of ordering from a company as we do in the USA, our Asian Factories buy raw materials from a market and every time they go back to the market the raw materials change.

I can’t convince them that they should stop using the market, pay a higher price and order from a factory so they can insist on consistent quality.

I have tried to have the buyers perform test at the market, to ensure quality, but the tests are not easily performed before purchase.

I am at a loss for how to develop Supplier monitoring in China and Thailand and now due to R. E. A. C.H. directives I have to provide the % of SVHC substances by weight on my raw materials.
I am certain I can’t get this information from the market!

Has anyone else had this problem or have any ideas?

 

[Jim Wynne]

I am currently asking my suppliers in China to use better quality raw materials (threads and fabrics) for production.

My problem is that instead of ordering from a company as we do in the USA, our Asian Factories buy raw materials from a market and every time they go back to the market the raw materials change.

I can’t convince them that they should stop using the market, pay a higher price and order from a factory so they can insist on consistent quality.

I have tried to have the buyers perform test at the market, to ensure quality, but the tests are not easily performed before purchase.

I am at a loss for how to develop Supplier monitoring in China and Thailand and now due to R. E. A. C.H. directives I have to provide the % of SVHC substances by weight on my raw materials.
I am certain I can’t get this information from the market!

Has anyone else had this problem or have any ideas?

No free lunch. If one supplier's prices are significantly lower from the those in the general market, there's a reason for it.